How to teach your cat to ring a bell
Your cat taps a desk bell with a paw to ring it. Later it can ring for dinner or play.
- Difficulty
- Some practice
- Session
- 3 min
- To learn
- 6-12 sessions
You'll need
- clicker or a word like “yes”
- small soft treats
- desk bell (counter bell)
- sticky note
- non-slip mat or tape
Why it matters
Ringing a bell lets your cat ask for something and is a great trick title skill.
Before you start
Play with a wand toy, then train before a meal. Have 10 to 15 pea-sized soft treats ready. Ring the bell yourself while your cat eats.
Step by step
Sound is good
Ring the bell gently, then treat. Repeat 5 times.
Move on when: Stays relaxed when the bell rings
Tip: If your cat flinches, muffle the bell with a little tape inside first.
Paw the note
Stick a sticky note on top of the bell. Ask for a paw touch on it. Click any paw contact.
Move on when: Paws the bell 8 out of 10 tries
Tip: Tape the bell to a mat so it does not slide.
Press for sound
Now click only when the bell actually dings.
Move on when: Rings it 6 out of 10 tries
Tip: Treat after every ding; the ding itself acts as a marker.
Shrink the note
Cut the sticky note smaller each session, then remove it.
Move on when: Rings with no note 6 out of 10 tries
Tip: Go back a size if accuracy drops.
Add the cue
Say "Ring" and point at the bell.
Move on when: Rings on cue 4 out of 5 times
Tip: Only reward cued rings, or you will hear dings all day.
The cue
- Say
- “Ring”
- Hand signal
- Point at the bell
If it isn't working
- Bell slides away
- Tape it to a heavy board or mat.
- Scared of the sound
- Go back to step 1 with a softer bell or tape inside. Treat lots.
- Rings and rings for treats
- Only pay rings after the cue. Put the bell away between sessions.
Safety
Safety- Pick a bell with no small parts that could fall off and be swallowed.
- Count treats as part of daily food so your cat stays at a healthy weight.
Mastered when
Rings the bell on cue in 2 places, 4 out of 5 times
Video check: Film 3 cued bell rings
Variations
- Ring for dinner
- Ring a bell hung on a door handle
- Play a toy piano key
Teach this first
Learn next
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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